Better WITH a Bag Than IN a Bag

This book is a remarkably candid first person account of arriving at the brink of death, undergoing surgery, survival
and living with a colostomy.

Every year thousands of people the world over undergo colostomy surgery. In 2011 Jo-Ann joined the ranks of ostomates, and now has a 2nd chance at life.
A compelling tale that speaks to the human spirit within all of us, Better WITH a Bag Than IN a Bag, makes us laugh and makes us cry, as it inspires everyone who wants to live life to the fullest, in spite of it all.

I read your book. Couldn’t put it down. Read half one night, and read the rest last night. I went through a series of emotions, anger, worry, laughter, more worry, shock, admiring your strength, determination, courage, exposing yourself totally, your devotion in helping others, your love of life and love of others, your gentleness in your approach, gee, I could go on and on. Bravo Jo-Ann, thank you Jo-Ann, it’s a life lesson that everyone who will read your story will greatly benefit from.

Christiane D”Aoust
Author – Gem-Bem and the Mystery of the Ball of Branches

Jojo! I’ve just finished reading your book and I can’t truly express how much I enjoyed it. I had so much difficulty putting it down, but of course had to. And when I did put it down, your experiences were playing in my mind as though I had been there and experienced them with you. As I read your thoughts and words, I realized how much of what was written felt as though they could be my thoughts if I’d been going through something similar.
Thank you for sharing your story! I can’t wait for the sequel.

Thank you for sharing your incredible story with us! I read it…it’s as if you were right there telling me all your happenings. You write beautifully and have a way of describing things that’s very clear and precise and, at times very amazing and funny! Your hope is quite evident as is your courage and determination.

I can relate a bit to the “diverticulitis”, the challenging lifestyle. I appreciate your openness and freedom to talk about the difficulties you are encountering, and sometimes, you’re hilarious!

Congratulations on an all around extremely well done and well written account of your courage and presence.

Jo-Ann the work that you are doing is really amaizing a have told most of the ostomates here in Zimbabwe who have acess to internet to follow your blog , its so inspiring, and you talk about all the issues that an ostomate goes through , i really enjoy the work you do and the way you helping ostomates , its sure is better with a bag than in a bag , , we hope very soonwe would also have copies of your book here in Zimbabwe .

I just came across this on Facebook. I love the title! I had a surprise (emergency) colostomy in 2009. For awhile after I became cogniscent, the nurses would creep into my room and hesitantly ask how I was dealing with my pouch. At that time I hadn’t done anything with it. The ostomy nurse was dealing with it as I was fairly doped up. My reply was always with a smile as I replied “I’m alive, I’ll deal with it.” I have been very open about having a pouch, even showing friends what it looked like if they were interested. Most days are good with the occasional bad day. The downside is that I can’t sit on my farts anymore. (Grin)!

I’m sure all of the folks in your life are feeling graced that you “are alive”, and have the great attitude, “I’ll deal with it”. As one ostomate to another, I truly think that’s really great Colleen. Wonderful to hear you are open with your ostomy, this sure helps folks have a better understanding. You’re terrific, when there are good days and not so good days. Yup, we can’t sit on our farts anymore, but our stoma’s sure can make some really interesting sounds, which in turn makes for some really interesting reactions, and that’s worth a grin too.